OAA and ITS Launch Student Chromebook Pilot Initiative to Increase Tech Access

Posted On: February 5, 2025

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – February 5, 2025) The Office of Academic Affairs and Office of Information Technology Services announce the launch of the Student Chromebook Pilot Initiative, a project that aims to fulfill student needs at Empire State University. Students face many challenges when navigating online learning, among them, the need for reliable devices that are compatible with programs they use to engage with coursework.

Many Empire State University students lack access to a working computer from which they can carry out their remote, online coursework. Instead, they utilize mobile devices, which are often less straightforward to navigate online learning with.

To address this need, the Office of Academic Affairs and Information Technology Services launched an initiative offers Chromebook laptops to eligible students at a discounted rate of $100, increasing accessibility to online learning devices that will equip students for academic success.

Qualifications include being a newly matriculated student for the Spring 2025 term with enrollment at one of the following schools: School for Undergraduate Studies, School for Graduate Studies, School of Nursing & Allied Health, or the Harry Van Arsdale Jr. School of Labor Studies. If a student has gone through a level change, or newly matriculated after a period of inactivity, they may also qualify. At this time, the initiative will only serve qualifying students in the United States.

Empire State University students who are eligible for the Chromebook Pilot Program will receive an email from the Office of Academic Affairs detailing how to proceed, including a link to purchase their discounted Chromebook. This offer is only valid through the end of an eligible student’s first term. As such, the Office of Academic Affairs encourages online learners to consider this option carefully, since Chromebooks purchased under this initiative cannot be refunded or returned. Students can find more information at the Chromebook Pilot Program FAQ page.

To enhance the program’s effects for participating students, the Chromebook Pilot Initiative has been designed with the support of Empire State University’s Information Technology Services. Notably, the office’s IT specialists have found a way to install software that is essential to many programs of study at Empire State University, despite it usually being incompatible with Chromebook laptops.

“We would love student participation, and anticipate student feedback,” says Marty Gang, Chief Information Officer and Vice President for Integrated Technologies. While the program is designed to aid Empire State University’s students, part of its success hinges on participation. The university is hoping to receive feedback from participants that will help further tailor the program to students’ needs.

Seana Logsdon, associate provost for Student Success, commented, “We are constantly seeking ways to ensure students’ potential isn’t limited by their financial situation. When we remove barriers to access, we open doors to achievement.”